UNLV time off between games well spent

Steve Carp

Monday, Dec. 1, 1997 | 10:04 a.m.

You have nearly two weeks between games with a holiday thrown into the mix. Your daily routine is pretty much kaput.

So what does a team do?

UNLV coach Bill Bayno used the time between the Nov. 21 loss to Kansas in the Preseason NIT and Tuesday's game at Southern Cal to review and refine his team's fundamentals. There was a chance to do some individual work as well as expand the Rebels' playbook.

And with the team 24 hours away from returning to its 1997-98 season, Bayno believes it was time worth spent.

"I think we got a lot done," he said. "The toughest thing about this is keeping your focus and intensity and we managed to not get distracted too much."

Bayno said both the individual and team defense received plenty of attention. He doesn't anticipate a backward step Tuesday at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena when his 2-1 team takes on 4-1 USC.

"I like the way we've stayed together," he said. "I like the progress of our overall attitude. Guys have been working hard and they've responded.

"We've spent most of the time working on defense, moving, bouncing and talking, and I think we've made some strides. It's always difficult for the younger guys because it's a new thing to them and they have to adjust.

"But all in all, it has been a good week. I think we made good use of the time between the games."

The team had a wave of illness sweep through as flu-like symptoms affected several players and coaches. But by Sunday, it was no longer a factor as everyone practiced.

"Yeah, I guess it was good timing," Bayno said of the illnesses. "If you're going to have it, it's better to have it when you're just practicing."

From Bayno's standpoint, to have a high intensity level during the week and maintain it made the week off a positive one.

"We had great practices most of the week," he said. "We went about an hour and 45 minutes Saturday, then we scrimmaged. The scrimmage started a bit slow, but it picked up as we went along."

Trojans survive scare

It appeared USC's game Saturday with San Diego State would be an easy one, especially when the Trojans held a 30-18 lead with seven minutes to go before halftime. But 13 straight Aztec points wiped out the advantage, and it took some sharp shooting from junior Adam Spanich to bail USC out.

Spanich, a 6-7 reserve forward from Marshalltown (Iowa) Community College, poured in 27 points and hit seven 3-point field goals to give USC a harder-than-expected 76-72 win at Cox Arena to improve to 4-1.

The game was tied at 63 with 2:32 left when Spanich hit a trey to put USC up. The Trojans were strong at the foul line down the stretch, converting seven of eight free throws in the final 50 seconds.

It was the third straight game USC blew a double-digit lead. However, the Trojans won all three contests and are riding a four-game win streak into Tuesday's encounter with UNLV.

Greedy's better

Greedy Daniels' injuries to his left knee and groin have improved to where he was able to practice Sunday without pain. He is probable for Tuesday's game.

Daniels, who has been suffering from a bruised knee and a strained groin since the Kansas loss Nov. 21, was able to go all out in the one-hour workout at the North Gym.

Kaspars Kambala, who tweaked his left ankle Saturday, also practiced without problem and he'll be in the starting lineup as well Tuesday against the 4-1 Trojans.

The only injury of note is to Ali Kaba's foot. The 6-foot-9 freshman has a bruise but it shouldn't preclude him from suiting up Tuesday, assuming the NCAA clears him for competition. UNLV officials hope to hear today regarding Kaba's status.

Hoop du jour

* BUSY WEEK: A four-game road trip continues with today's flight to Los Angeles and an evening workout on the USC campus as a final tuneup for Tuesday's game. The team returns to Las Vegas immediately after the game and spends a day in town before heading for Ann Arbor Thursday to get ready for Saturday's game with Michigan. The trip concludes a week from Saturday at Providence against Rhode Island. Finals begin a week from today, so it is a hectic two weeks for the Rebels.

* LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY: Because of Tuesday's game, the weekly Rebel Athletic Club luncheon will be held at noon Wednesday at the Harley Davidson cafe on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard South and Harmon Avenue. ... Also, "The Bill Bayno Show" will air Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. on KXNT 840-AM live from Gordon Biersch at 3987 South Paradise Road.